Collaborating Against Child Abuse: Exploring the Nordic Barnahus Model

• Main Authors: Johansson, Susanna, Stefansen, Kari, Bakketeig, Elisiv, Kaldal, Anna. (Eds.).
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 2017
• Subjects: child abuse; CAC Model; forensic interviewing; Interagency Cooperation; multidisciplinary team; law; investigation; International Resources; Sweden; Norway; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11212/4321; https://www.oapen.org/download?type=document&docid=1002082#page=168

In her Foreward to this book, Bragi Guðbrandsson summarizes the origins, development, and current practices of the Barnahus model for addressing the problem of child abuse. Throughout the book, the influences of the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) model developed in the United States are apparent, but adapted and innovated as necessary to function within the context of countries that provide a much stronger social support system for children and families and within different legal systems. This new Barnahus model evolved as it propagated from its origination in Iceland to Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The introductory section of the book discusses implementation of variants of Barnahus (meaning “house for children”) to fit local circumstances. Part I of the book contains chapters describing the treatment and support services provided by Barnahus. Part II covers forensic interviewing concepts and strategies. Part III establishes the social and political context. And Part IV, addresses issues of interagency cooperation and professional practice. The 16 chapters and attending sections of the book were written by different experts throughout the Nordic countries. It is replete with details, but also larger social perspectives, and thus serves as a valuable overview for other countries in the European Union which may seek to build upon the Barnahus and/or CAC models. (CALiO Summary)